Aortic dissection in a 14-year-old female patient with previously undiagnosed Marfan syndrome

Case report. We report on the case of a 14-year-old female patient who init ially attracted attention by dyspnea and retrosternal pain. An echocardiogr aphic examination revealed aortic dissection of the ascending aorta. She su ccesfully underwent an operative therapy. In spite of some typical symptome s the diagnosis marfan syndrome hadn't been made before. Discussion. The dissection of the aorta with imminent rupture, a serious co mplication of the marfan syndrome, can be observed in some rare cases alrea dy in childhood. The diagnosis should be considered whenever signs of a mar fan syndrome are present and appropriate diagnostic measures should be init iated.